On 27 July 1914, an Austro-Hungarian agent in Russia, Herr von Paumgartner, wrote to the Austro-Hungrian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Leopold Count Berchtold (pictured). Paumgartner’s telegram confirms reports of the mobilisation of the Russian army.

Leopold Count Berchtold

Herr von Paumgartner to Count Berchtold. Odessa, 27 July 1914.

Cyphered.

Mobilisation orders for military districts of Odessa, Kiev and Warsaw have been given, but not yet published. Officers of reserve, who were to be dismissed today were detained; cadets advanced to officers, have already been distributed over the army. From Odessa alone 390. Great excitement among officers.